Coming Out: The Mavericks

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

So started the essay by active NBA player Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player. In fact, Collins is the first openly gay male athlete who is still active in a major American team sport.

For decades sports players have come out after or when announcing their retirement, but Collins raised his hand while still in the game. The world of professional sports isn’t the last remaining subculture where coming out is beyond taboo; there are still many careers where coming out, for those in the closet, does not feel like an option.

Is that how it felt for you? Did you come out in a circumstance that was less than excepting? What happened? Do you regret your choice? Ross Reynolds discusses coming out in difficult cultural climates with listeners.